Safeguarding and Welfare

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility

Safeguarding Children & Club Welfare

Creating fun, safe football environments is central to safeguarding children.

Most children and young people have a fantastic experience through football – but sadly, some don't. This might be down to over-competitive parents and coaches shouting and constantly criticising them from the sidelines - the kind of behaviour that the Respect programme is designed to address. Or it might be due to some other kind of abusive behaviour towards them.

Safeguarding Children is everyone's responsibility and having welfare officers in all clubs and leagues with youth teams is crucial to The FA’s simple three part approach to safeguarding. This includes:

Getting the right people involved - seeking references and CRC checks.

Creating a safe environment - codes of conduct, education and best practice.

Promoting clear systems - to deal with any concerns - policy and procedures.